Swallowing

[Tazwaz]

Could anybody tell me how throat feels with swallowing issues wit ataxia never had a problem before but wonder if swallowing problem is starting thankyou

[edfosho]

Swallowing can be an issue with ataxia, though I suggest you see a Speech and Language Therapist - they also deal with swallowing issues and can help as required.

[wobblybee]

I often choke by inadvertently swallowing and breathing in saliva…this is fairly common. Sometimes the same happens with food, this is called Dysphagia.

This link explains Dysphagia

nhsinform.scot/illnesses-an...

[Tallguy101]

Hi TazwazI was diagnosed with ataxia in 2006 and tbh for about the first 12 years it wasn't an issue for me.

Since then I have some problems with certain foods, particularly granola and muesli. They make me cough rather than choke as though I can't clear my throat, if I need to answer the phone in the middle of one these fits then I'm in trouble.

I think it's best to avoid certain foods that are difficult.

Ataxia affects every muscle in the body in terms of coordination and that includes the throat.

As others have mentioned speech and language therapy is good for learning strategies to help. You need to be referred by your gp or neurologist.

Hope this helps.

All the best.

[paddym67]

I have SCA1 ànd swallowing and choaking seem the norm.

Eat smaller and slower. Plus look at TRE as a reason for 1 meal a day.

P

[paddym67 in reply to paddym67]

Plus I exercise every day

[rideabike]

Sometimes it feels like a painful knot in the center of my throat. Other times my neck feels stiff and tight but it’s from the throat. A swallowing assessment showed decreased tongue based movement. It’s worse if I eat hard or dense foods like steak or heavy bread. I rarely eat steak anymore or bread but chewing really well helps. Drinking water with meals was recommended. Hope this helps.

[sunisthere]

Hi Tazwaz, my mom has SCA and has swallowing problems. She generally coughs after swallowing. She took therapy with swallowing. They did some examinations to understand which part of swallowing process she has difficulty and they tested with some foods to discover problematic foods for her. They also gave some exercises to try at home and some methods to help swallowing. Now, she is better. Therapist suggested not talk while eating, it really helps her too. Also therapist recommended some special drinking cups. Because in general, liquids cause more coughing than foods i think.